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Why Do the Swiss Rent?

Author

Listed:
  • Steven C. Bourassa

    (University of Louisville, School of Urban and Public Affairs)

  • Martin Hoesli

    (University of Geneva, HEC and Swiss Finance Institute)

Abstract

At 34%, Switzerland has the lowest home ownership rate in Western Europe. This is a puzzle given the economic strength of the country. We use 1998 household survey data for five Swiss cantons to explore some possible reasons for this. We estimate a tenure choice equation that allows us to analyze the impacts of a number of key variables on the ownership rate. We pay particular attention to the relative cost of owning and renting, which is a function of house prices, rents, and the user cost of owning. The latter is a function of income tax policy and expected house price inflation, among other things. We also measure mortgage underwriting criteria and consider rent control and other policies affecting rental housing. By simulating a number of hypothetical changes to taxation and other policies, underwriting criteria, and price levels, we assess the importance of these variables in explaining the ownership rate. We conclude that high house prices—relative to rents and to household incomes and wealth—are by far the most important cause of Switzerland’s low ownership rate.

Suggested Citation

  • Steven C. Bourassa & Martin Hoesli, 2007. "Why Do the Swiss Rent?," Swiss Finance Institute Research Paper Series 07-04, Swiss Finance Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:chf:rpseri:rp0704
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    File URL: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=964637
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    Other versions of this item:

    • Steven Bourassa & Martin Hoesli, 2007. "Why Do Swiss Rent?," ERES eres2007_166, European Real Estate Society (ERES).

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • R21 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Housing Demand
    • R31 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Real Estate Markets, Spatial Production Analysis, and Firm Location - - - Housing Supply and Markets

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